or Nicholas, who had been so
wise and dignified since 1848, become so very unreasonable. In Austria
they are still a good deal excited. One can hardly feel astonished
considering circumstances; I trust that reflection may induce them to
modify their measures. The Italian Nobles have shown themselves great
fools by acting as they have done, and thereby giving an opening to
social revolution. By some accident we have been within these few days
well informed of some of the movements of the good people that enjoy
an asylum in England. Kossuth is now the great director and favourite,
and Republics are everywhere to spring up, till he (Kossuth) is to be
again Dictator or Emperor somewhere.... Europe will never recover that
shock of 1848.

My dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 11: _See_ Introductory Note, _ante_, pp. 431.]

[Pageheading: THE "HOLY PLACES"]

_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._

LONDON, _22nd March 1853._

Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He encloses
a letter from Lord Cowley, which shows a considerable degree of
irritation on the part of the French Government, and of embarrassment
in consequence of the rash step they have taken in ordering the
departure of their fleet from Toulon to the Greek Waters.[12] If no
catastrophe should take place at Constantinople, as Lord Aberdeen
hopes and believes, this irritation will probably subside, and they
may find us useful in assisting them to escape from their difficulty
with respect to the "Holy Places."

Lord Aberdeen has seen the Instructions of Prince Menschikoff, which
relate exclusively to the claims of the Greek Church at Jerusalem; and
although these conditions may humiliate Turkey, and wound the vanity
of France, there is nothing whatever to justify the reproach
of territorial aggression, or hostile ambition. If the Turkish
Government, relying upon the assistance of England and France, should
remain obstinate, the affair might become serious; but even then, Lord
Aberdeen is convinced that no final step will be taken by the Emperor,
without previous communication to England.

Much depends upon the personal character of Prince Menschikoff. If
he can command himself sufficiently to wait for the arrival of Lord
Stratford, Lord Aberdeen does not doubt that the matter will be
settled, without coming to extremities....

[Footnote 12: Even before the Conference met, Menschikoff's